Does it ruin it for you?

[indiesgirl4ever]

This is directed towards cast members of the Disneyland Resort CA, I just don't know where to put it so here we go! Did working at Disney 'ruin' anything for you? Do you like working there? Pros? Cons? And such...Coming to an age where I should be thinking of jobs and would love to work at my favorite place Thanks and sorry if this was discussed before!

 

[Lights_Out]

I was wondering the exact same thing actually!

Just sent in my resume... wonder if I'm gonna hear back at all

 

[Goofy_Dave]

Probably depends on whether you can appreciate the "behind the scenes" reality that goes into the magic. If you can be a part of that without it ruining your feelings on the place, then go for it.

I've read tales of woe from some rather bitter cast members, so to me it's always seemed like a horrible idea. I get the sense that they run the place with an iron fist as far as the public-facing cast members go. Good luck!

 

[aristocat65]

I have an interesting book by Kevin Yee (of Miceage) called: Mouse Trap: Memoir of a Disneyland Cast Member, all about his years at Disneyland. Gives you a good idea of what it is like. He still loves all things Disney, so I guess it didn't ruin the magic for him

 

[skiingfast]

I have asked many CM's this at DL and WDW. In general the response is pretty soft, they don't want to tell me it sucks. But taking this into account I'd go with 50/50 if you work in a park. If you work out of the parks as many of the WDW CM's do I would only say 10% feel less appreciative than they did as a guest.

 

[jimreuter]

I work in Table Service Restaurants. For me it is a retirement job, a supplement to my Social Security and other income.

I look forward to coming to work every day. I can't wait until my next shift starts. I came to Disneyland last year as an annual passholder over 200 times before I got hired October 10. The magic is enhanced for me because now I'm involved in making the magic.

It is different. I don't get to see my favorite acts as much as I used to (although now I sometimes see them backstage). But I tell people my job description is "Go to Disneyland, and make several hundred new friends". Several hundred new friends - every day - I don't just love my job, I have died and gone to heaven.

 

[azdisneylover]

Jim,
You are the type of Cast Member that makes trips for families special! Do you keep your eyes open for LGMH? If so, do you
say hello?

 

[indiesgirl4ever]

Thanks for the feedback, aristocat, I'll look into that book. Also, Jim, if I were to ever become a CM, I would strive for that personality, thanks for having such a positive outlook on your job as often times I find other CM's so pessimistic

 

[jessica52877]

We met a couple on our last disney cruise that lived in Anaheim and the wife worked at DL. She did hair for the princesses (I think) or something to do with them backstage. She absolutely loves her job and has been doing the same thing for 25+ years (or atleast has worked for Disney that long). The husband said what a wonderful time he still had going to meet her there after work and then they'll walk around.

They were the sweetest.

 

[Brancaneve]

I work in Table Service Restaurants. For me it is a retirement job, a supplement to my Social Security and other income.

I look forward to coming to work every day. I can't wait until my next shift starts. I came to Disneyland last year as an annual passholder over 200 times before I got hired October 10. The magic is enhanced for me because now I'm involved in making the magic.

It is different. I don't get to see my favorite acts as much as I used to (although now I sometimes see them backstage). But I tell people my job description is "Go to Disneyland, and make several hundred new friends". Several hundred new friends - every day - I don't just love my job, I have died and gone to heaven.

I love your attitude! Thank you for making DLR so special.....

 

[jimreuter]

jim,
you are the type of cast member that makes trips for families special! do you keep your eyes open for lgmh? If so, do you
say hello?

lgmh?

 

[APX]

lgmh?

lgmh = Lime Green Mickey Heads.

It's (from what I read) a DIS only type of thing to show you are from these forums.

 

[Katieinwonderland]

I work in Table Service Restaurants. For me it is a retirement job, a supplement to my Social Security and other income.

I look forward to coming to work every day. I can't wait until my next shift starts. I came to Disneyland last year as an annual passholder over 200 times before I got hired October 10. The magic is enhanced for me because now I'm involved in making the magic.

It is different. I don't get to see my favorite acts as much as I used to (although now I sometimes see them backstage). But I tell people my job description is "Go to Disneyland, and make several hundred new friends". Several hundred new friends - every day - I don't just love my job, I have died and gone to heaven.

I work in Table Service Restaurants too Jim! Except I work at WDW in Florida! DH and I will be on a plane this time tomorrow for our first real trip to Disneyland Resort and we're so excited! I'm a server at WDW - is that what you do too?

For me, the magic has never been ruined - if anything, I see it more and more every day! Just this morning I had a little girl crying with happiness in my restaurant and her father turned to me and said "this would never happen anywhere but Disney - this is why we come here!" Seeing that kind of thing every day makes me love my job!

There are certain things I've seen backstage that I thought would ruin things for me - but then when they're onstage, the magic is still there!

I'm off to Grad school soon and eventually I won't be working here anymore - but no matter what I do in my future, I can't imagine loving working for a company as much as I love working for Disney!

 

[jimreuter]

I'm a host at Blue Bayou. Now that summer weather has finally arrived, it is a really "cool" place to work - in more ways than one.